Beth Emhoff (Gwyneth Paltrow) is the catalyst for this epidemic.
Returning from a business trip to Hong Kong, Emhoff is soon hit by the virus as seizures wrack her body.
Within hours her husband, Mitch (Matt Damon), is not only grieving the loss of his wife, he is also dealing with the death of his stepson, Clark (Griffin Kane).
Despite being exposed to the virus, Mitch somehow manages to stay immune.
As bodies start piling up throughout the world, the US Centre for Disease Control and the World Health Organisation crack into gear to identify the virus, isolate the victims and carriers, and develop a vaccine.
Dr Erin Mears (Kate Winslet) is one of the experts called in to trace Beth's movements and identify those at greatest risk from contact with her.
She must find answers quickly, while remaining clear of the virus herself.
It becomes a real game of chess as health officials try to piece together the origin of the virus and determine how to reproduce it so they can create the vaccine.
Posing a real thorn in their side is controversial left-wing blogger Alan Krumwiede (Jude Law), who takes his criticism of health officials to the internet, creating public angst.
It is disturbing to watch as mankind deals with the impact of the virus.
It all becomes dog-eat-dog as people do whatever they can to stay alive. Contagion is not pretty viewing.
It is harsh, it is disturbing, it is confronting. But it does have a real and authentic feel to it.
Contagion
(M), 120 minutes
Stars: 4/5
